Yesterday was, indeed, a good day. I have really been working on believing I have the power to make good days by focusing on the positive. Not that you have complete control, but focusing on the positive is a way better approach that complaining about the negative, right Heather? I mean really, I have an incredible little family, I'm surrounded by family now and we are living by the lake. Tony, Jay, Max and I all went swimming at the lake after lunch yesterday. We all got our daily dose of vitamin D and had some laughs. We are all healthy, so seriously, these are the things I need to focus on...

We went to dinner Wednesday night over to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's house. They had another couple over with their kids too. It was a lot of fun. I am definitely going to enjoy doing things like this more often. They cooked out burgers and hot dogs, so I decided to throw together some bean burgers. Luckily, I had picked up some beans from the store the day before. We had some crazy storms come through that night, so with no light, I didn't get any pictures.

There were a few left over so I got some shots of the leftovers on a salad! Confession, I ate three that night. I've made lentil burgers before, but I used my favorite method without making things complicated and they are officially my new favorite! I was made fun of quite a bit for making bean burgers since people here love their meat, but when Max got one instead of a meat burger (which he hates ground beef), they let up and tried a taste of one...and liked it! I think some people have a hard time understanding that it's my choice not to eat meat, but I'm ok with them eating meat and enjoying it. I just prefer to fuel myself differently. Again, it's my choice. Anyway, these burgers really were my easiest recipe yet since they use lentils, which cook in no time!

I love the consistency too. They are not mushy at all. I love a good firm bean burger with a little texture to it.

Place the lentils in 4 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until done. Poor off excess water. Allow to slightly cool. Next add oats through pepper to the lentils and mix thoroughly. Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely. When ready to make, scoop out about 1/2 cup servings, form into a patty and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, flipping after 30 minutes.

This is the view that I ate this beast of a salad. Seriously, how could that be bad?

Are you a positive thinker or do you dwell on the negative? I used to get really overwhelmed by the negative, but have really worked hard the past year to focus on the good in life. I can't change everything, but the things I do have control over are how I perceive things. Everything is relative and really it's the little things that count. I hope you all have an incredible weekend!

This makes me smile today. So happy you are really getting to "enjoy" all of those incredible things in your life. How could you not be happy at the lake??? ;-) And those lentil burgers look incredible. I have got to make some more veg burgers to freeze this weekend. I hope you have another great day!!!!

thick- crunchy- hearty, i can just imagine the joy that would come from having one of these for lunch or dinner- and right in between a soft bun- AMAZING!! <3 reminds me of a crispy chicken sandwich for some reason (sans chicken) lol... YUM

I love the salsa in the burgers!! I will have to try these, they sound great.

I'm so happy for you, being where you are now! Lake Life sounds perfect... and focusing on positive is too - it can really have a powerful impact on your day, and your life! My family is still dealing with a downer situation, and as much as I try to focus on positive, it hurts me to see someone very close to me in pain and kind of giving up. I try and try to change her focus and it is not working. with my own things to deal with, I am focusing on my own positives.

I am definitely a positive thinker most of the time. I didn't used to be, and it took practice! Now, I am just in the habit of looking at the bright side whenever possible. It helps so much with how I feel throughout the day...

A lentil burger sounds delicious! I've never actually cooked with lentils, but I will for something like this! I'd like to think of myself as a positive person and I agree with you, we all have control over how we perceive and react to things!

Lentil burgers - check! Only I made them with regular rolled oats (the quick oats probably would help with binding better and I made them a bit too thick (they rebelled at being flipped and a couple broke!). VERY tasty though! I love your recipes!

really excited to try these burgers...its 500am here and i've got enough time to make a batch before work at 800a...this is going to be an amazing alternative to vegan 'meats' which, as a veggie girl I'm starting to see are not quite as healthy as they seem...

I actually bookmarked this recipe a while back, and I remember thinking I have got to make these, what a simple and delicious looking recipe. Have I made them yet? No. Why? I have no idea, but thanks for the reminder. :)

I completely agree...I made some lentil burgers and they came out great! my new fav. Yesss I too am trying to remove negativity and manifest positivity in my life; to improve my overall outlook on life and self- esteem; its a long arduous process but I'm working on it!

Francesca, I would imagine making them thicker, adding water to make them wetter or cooking them less would make them juicier. Bean burgers can be tricky when it comes to temperatures and length of time you cook them. Let me know what you try and how it works!